All The Ways To Downsize And Start Traveling After Kids

Your kids have finally left the nest, and now it's time for you to downsize. But where do you start?

There are a few things to consider when downsizing your home, like what you need vs. what you want and how much space you really need.

Start by going through all of your belongings and decide what you really need to keep and what can be donated or sold. It may be difficult to let go of some things, but remember that you're downsizing for a reason – to simplify your life.

Next, take a look at your living situation. If you're currently living in a large home, do you really need all that space now that your kids are gone? Maybe it's time to downsize to a smaller home or even an apartment.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Think about your lifestyle and how much space you really need. If you're an empty nester who likes to travel, you may not need as much living space as someone who stays at home most of the time.

Once you've considered all of these factors, it's time to start downsizing your home. 

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Make a list of your must-haves.

Start by making a list of the things you absolutely need in your new home. This might include items like furniture, appliances, and dishes. Once you have your list, you can start sorting through your belongings and getting rid of anything that doesn't make the cut.

2. Donate or sell unwanted items.

If you have items that are still in good condition, but you don't need or want them anymore, consider donating them to a local charity or selling them online. This is a great way to declutter your home and help others in the process.

3. Get rid of outdated items.

If you have any items that are out of date or no longer serve a purpose, get rid of them! This includes things like old electronics, clothes, and furniture.

4. Simplify your decor.

When downsizing, it's important to simplify your decorating style as well. Choose a few key pieces that you love and get rid of anything else that is just taking up space. Less is definitely more when it comes to downsizing!

5. Storage is your friend.

If you have items that you just can't part with but don't have room for in your new home, consider renting a storage unit. This way, you can keep your belongings safe and sound without taking up valuable space in your new home.

6. Sell your house.

Once you've decluttered and downsized, you may find that your house is too big for your needs. If this is the case, consider selling your home and moving into a smaller space. FasterHouse is a fast house buyer, and by selling your house, it can be a great way to simplify your life and make a fresh start.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

For many parents, the idea of traveling is something that seems out of reach. After all, how can you travel when you have young children at home? However, once your kids leave the house, either for college or to start their own families, you suddenly have a lot more free time on your hands. And what better way to spend that time than by exploring the world?

If you're not sure where to start;

Here are a few ideas for ways to travel after your kids leave the house:

1. Take a trip with your spouse or partner.

One of the great things about having empty nest syndrome is that you finally have some time to yourselves! So if you've been wanting to take a romantic getaway with your significant other, now is the perfect time. Whether you want to go on a beach vacation or explore a new city, you can do it without having to worry about childcare.

2. Travel with friends.

Just because your kids are grown doesn't mean you can't travel with your friends! If you've always wanted to take a girl's trip or a guy's trip, now is the time to do it. You can also use this opportunity to reconnect with old friends who live in different parts of the country or even the world.

3. Volunteer abroad.

Volunteer vacations are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason! Not only do you get to travel to amazing places, but you also get to help make a difference in the world. If you're interested in volunteering abroad, there are a number of organizations that can help you find the right opportunity.

4. Go on an adventure.

Just because you're not as young as you used to be doesn't mean you can't still have adventures! If there's somewhere, you've always wanted to go but never had the chance, now is your chance. You can also use this opportunity to try new things, like hiking, biking, or even rock climbing.

5. Visit family and friends.

One of the best parts about traveling after your kids leave the house is that you can finally take the time to visit all the people you've been meaning to see. Whether it's your parents who live in another state or your best friend from college who now lives in a different country, you can finally make the time to see them.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

6. Take a road trip.

One of the best ways to travel after your kids leave the house is to take a road trip! This is a great way to see different parts of the country (or even the world) at your own pace. You can also use this opportunity to explore different places that you've always wanted to visit but never had the chance.

7. Learn something new.

Traveling is a great opportunity to learn something new. Whether you want to learn about a new culture or try a new activity, there's no better way to do it than by traveling.

8. Relax and recharge.

After years of being a parent, you deserve a vacation! And what better way to relax and recharge than by traveling to a new place? Whether you want to stay in a luxury resort or just soak up the sun on a beach, you can do it without having to worry about your kids.

In Closing

Traveling after your kids leave the house can be an amazing experience. It's a chance to see new places, try new things, and even learn something new. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip today!